Tuesday, June 07, 2011

Every year around this time fledgling American Kestrels begin appearing on sidewalks, in city parks and, in this case, a community garden. Most of the time, with the watchful eyes of their parents, they are able to figure out how to stay out of harms way, but not always. Thankfully, New York City has a growing network of protectors made up of raptor watchers, wildlife rehabilitators, park employees and the New York City Audubon Society who have been instrumental in saving these tiny falcons from injury or death. Two days ago a help call came in from 111th Street near Lexington Avenue. James O'Brien came to the rescue.

Here is the discussion group thread that eventually lead to the falcon's rescue:

I've been speaking with the resident who called this in and asked James to try to find a high spot to relocate the little male kestrel. Unfortunately leaving the bird in the garden isn't an option here since it is a cat community and at night the place is loaded with cats and Alicia said the 24 hour cat watch probably isn't going to happen.

James is right -- it's a kestrel. I just spoke with the folks at the herb garden, and they sent me a photo of the bird. Their concern was that the bird was on the ground. It has hopped up to a park bench. It doesn't appear (to them) to be injured -- just a bit awkward. And they can hear the parent calling.

They have closed the garden to visitors and will keep an eye out. I asked about the use of rat poison in the garden -- they are not using any.

I'm glad James will stop by. :-) I have given James their contact cell phone number (and they have mine).

James just called me to report he relocated the kestrel to a nearby rooftop . He checked it out including looking in the mouth for signs of frounce which they are susceptible to and it appeared in good health, just too young to be on the ground without the ability to get any height flight wise yet. He searched for a nest site but couldn't locate but the female was nearby so she knows her baby is where they put him . I wish they all worked out it like this one did. Thanks, Bobby

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Check out James' blog here for a great write up and lots of cool pictures of the little falcon.